Bar, nightclub and restaurant operators, managers, bartenders and other staff members have a lot to keep tabs on. From every day operations tasks to new product releases to spirit, beer, wine, cocktail and food trends, keeping on top of bar and nightlife news each week can be a project in and of itself.
That’s where we come in. To make things that much easier for you we’ve put together a detailed rundown of what happened this week that you should know. You need to know what international products are finally being distributed throughout America, what innovations are being made in glassware and bar and kitchen products, what and when music streaming services are featuring a new album, and so much more. In life, knowledge is power. In this business, knowledge is dollars.
Good things come to those who wait a century.
Kentucky’s Peerless Distillery hadn’t distributed a distilled spirit for 100 years until May 20 of this year, when the first bottle of Peerless Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey was sold to the public on location at the distillery. And now those of you who happen to operate in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky (of course), Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, or the District of Columbia can purchase Peerless whiskeys. Plans for additional states are in the works so we’ll keep our eyes peeled for developments.
Hedonism and sustainability? Sign us up!
It’s common knowledge that bar guests and even employees are interested in brands and operations that make a commitment to sustainability. Misadventure & Co. speaks authentically to the desire for social responsibility. Referring to their distillation approach as “hedonistic sustainability,” Misadventure & Co. believes strongly in the Golden Rule of the Outoors: Leave no trace. In an effort to put a dent in the National Resources Defense Council statistic that 40% of food grown in the United States ends up in a landfill, Misadventure Vodka is made using different types of saved baked goods. (In fact, the bottle says “made from saving grains” right on the front.) Bakery leftovers contain usable starches which can be converted into sugar. Those sugars, as anyone familiar with the process knows, are eaten by yeast. Voila – alcohol is born! This means your guests get to be involved with sustainability and do their part to make the world a better place with every sip of cocktails made with Misadventure & Co. spirits.
Will the bartender put our straws in for us?
For the past several years we’ve also seen a rise in people’s interest in nostalgic items. From toys to television and films to clothes, it’s clear that a large portion of our population wants to relive the glory days (and some truly embarrassing styles) of decades past. Just look at the cultural phenomenon that is Stranger Things, which has spawned bar promotions and pop-up bars celebrating all things ‘80s.
Soothe-sayer.
In roughly one month we all have to suck it up and say goodbye to summer. It’s bittersweet to some, traumatic to others. Your summer-loving guests can soothe those feelings with aloe vera cocktails. Aloe vera has long been used as a traditional medicine*, and bartenders are finding that aloe vera juice is a tasty addition to the traditional Margarita and other cocktails. Such cocktails may just prove to be the boost you need to take advantage of the last weeks of summer.
Aloe Vera Margarita
- 2 oz. Casamigos Blanco Tequila
- 1.5 oz. Aloe vera juice
- 0.5 oz. Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz. Aloe vera-infused syrup (see note)
- Aloe vera leaf for garnish
Combine all ingredients to shaker and add ice. Shake vigorously for 8 to 10 seconds, then strain into rocks glass. Add fresh ice and garnish with fresh Aloe Vera leaf.
For the aloe vera-Infused syrup
Bring 12 cups of water to boil in large saucepan. Add fresh peeled aloe vera and simmer. Let soak for 20 to 25 minutes. Fine-strain into another large saucepan, add 12 cups of sugar, and bring to a boil. Stir until fully dissolved. Let cool. Store in sealed container and refrigerate. Good for 3 to 4 weeks.
*We’re not doctors. In fact, we don’t even play doctors on television. You’ll have to do your own research and come to your own conclusions about the health benefits (or lack thereof) of aloe vera all on your own.